Stomach Pain: Causes, Treatment, Tips & Symptoms

Stomach pain is like an uninvited guest. It can be a trigger to anyone, be it a child holding their stomach while eating sweets, a parent complaining of stomach ache after eating spicy food, or a grandparent referring to it as “gas”; It comes in unexpectedly or fits around your stomach silently. Initially, it feels harmless but mildly bothersome. And for this, we start to do home remedies.
But not every stomach pain is the same. It is serious enough to require seeking medical attention. Like if you have continuous bloating, acidity, irregular bowel movement, constipation, etc., then it can be a sign of gastrointestinal disorders, which further may lead to a serious disease. Therefore, it is very essential to know the stomach pain: causes, treatment, tips & symptoms.

What is stomach pain?

That stomach hurts when you feel pain in your belly between the ribs and your pelvis. The pain may be dull and achy or intense and sharp; a burning or even tight sensation in your stomach can be experienced.

Symptoms of stomach pain

Below are some of the symptoms of stomach pain, and if you experience any of these signs, then you need treatment as soon as possible.

• Loss of appetite
• Gas or Burping
• Cramping or twisting of the stomach
• Nausea or vomiting
• Changes in bowel movements
• Diarrhoea or constipation
• Blood in the stool
• Tired and weak
• Pain in other parts of the body
• Chest burning

What are the causes of stomach pain?

Understanding the root causes of stomach pain leads to the first step towards treatment. The causes of stomach pain are:

• Digestive problems like gas and bloating, indigestion, and constipation can happen if you eat too much food; eat spicy food; food that generates gas; do not have enough fibre and protein; consume sugary food or drinks; and many more factors that can trigger digestive problems.
• Stomach flu, infection, or food poisoning can be caused by contamination of food or water, a virus, and bacteria, as well.
• Acid-related disorders and ulcers can be caused by caffeine, smoking, lying down after eating, heartburn, a sour flavour, bacterial overgrowth, and overuse of NSAIDs, etc.
• Kidney stones occur when you have a high protein diet, a high salt intake, or low water consumption, all of which can encourage kidney stones, which can lead to lower belly pain and back pain.
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), is a chronic condition manifested by a combination of stress, foods, etc., and results in bloating, alteration in bowel movement, cramps, or diarrhoea.
• Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD): The precise reason for this illness is unknown yet, but when you have persistent gastric discomfort, tiredness, weight loss, or diarrhoea, it may be due to IBD.
• Menstrual cramps can also trigger back pain, pain in the lower abdomen, and fatigue.

Treatment of stomach pain

Over-the-counter medication:

For acidity, an antacid.

For constipation, a stool softener or laxative.

For another type of pain, other medicines can be helpful but stay away from nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories because they can irritate your stomach.

• Medical treatment: This treatment is recommended when pain is severe or persistent. Your doctor might recommend an antibiotic for food poisoning, infection, or heartburn.
• Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs): This can help with conditions like ulcers and gastro-oesophageal reflux.

Tips to avoid stomach pain:

• Eat smaller meals.
• Chew your food thoroughly.
• Drink lots of water.
• Wash your hands before eating to prevent stomach infection.
• Avoid eating spicy food, junk food, and sugary food or drinks.
• Stay active and exercise regularly.
• Avoid alcohol, smoking, and caffeine.
• Talk to your doctor immediately when you feel persistent pain.

About Dr. Sushil Kumar Jain

Dr Sushil Kumar Jain is the Best Gastroenterologist in Jaipur and has 13+ years of experience in the field of gastroenterology. With the gastro treatment, he also offered liver disease treatment. He is a senior consultant and HOD (gastroenterology) at Indus Jaipur Hospital, and he provides personalised care at ACE Gastro, a super-speciality clinic with advanced diagnostic and treatment facilities that ensure a high success rate.

Conclusion

Understanding the Stomach Pain: Causes, Treatment, Tips & Symptoms is very beneficial to get you the treatment as soon as you can. Not all stomach pain is serious, but if it continues along with any other symptoms, then it needs treatment. Make an appointment with your best gastrologist, Dr. Sushil Kumar Jain, who helps you in rectifying accurate diagnosis & getting you the proper treatment.